My first impressions of Saxon's "Denim and Leather"

[SoundMaster]

Based on all of the glowing recommendations of Saxon that I've read on this site, I decided to dive in & pick up one of their "classic era" discs. The local Virgin Megastore ONLY had the 90s release "Beast", but Tower Records had "Denim & Leather". So I bought it.

First Impressions, after listening twice through:
- great sense of melody, and very strong, 'sing along' choruses
- the opening song is brilliant! As is "And the Bands Played On!"
- however, I find some of the riffs to be somewhat generic, bordering on being "filler"....but, it's only been two listens!

I am impressed & will venture forward towards more classics, and perhaps "Killing Ground".

I've read reviews that state that "Denim" was more 'commerial' then the two preceeding releases. Is that accurate?

 

[Greeno]

If you're new to Saxon's early 80's releases it may take a while to sink in. It took me a couple of albums and many listenings to really get into them. I never got into them back in the 80's but started picking up old vinyl when ever I saw it cheap. At first I didn't see what the fuss was about but after a while those songs dig into your brain and they won't come out. It's just good hard rock but there's something special about those guys.... can't put it into words but it's there.

 

[Aethyrs]

It's just good hard rock but there's something special about those guys.... can't put it into words but it's there.

I got hooked on them with Power and the glory album (83), and what you wrote is just what Saxon is. I too don't know what they got but I get a smile on my lips when I hear them, such good rock make me glad. With the old ones, not counting Destiny and Rock for nation, they had an attitude to their music, and I think thats what they have capture back with the new albums!

SoundMaster, you MUST see the live.....one of the best live acts that I have seen that have been around for so long. They are old but man can they deliver.

 

[Abryl]

SoundMaster, you MUST see the live.....one of the best live acts that I have seen that have been around for so long. They are old but man can they deliver.

I agree there. They sure can rock, those 2 hours went by too fast!

About Denim & Leather, when I fist heard it I thought it was good, only two or three songs that really grabbed me. But after a while it became one of my favorite albums for a long time! I would listen to it all the time on my way to work. Princess Of The Night, Out Of Control, Play It Loud, Never Surrender, Midnight Rider... all of them great songs

 

[Wyvern]

Based on all of the glowing recommendations of Saxon that I've read on this site, I decided to dive in & pick up one of their "classic era" discs. The local Virgin Megastore ONLY had the 90s release "Beast", but Tower Records had "Denim & Leather". So I bought it.

First Impressions, after listening twice through:
- great sense of melody, and very strong, 'sing along' choruses
- the opening song is brilliant! As is "And the Bands Played On!"
- however, I find some of the riffs to be somewhat generic, bordering on being "filler"....but, it's only been two listens!

I am impressed & will venture forward towards more classics, and perhaps "Killing Ground".

I've read reviews that state that "Denim" was more 'commerial' then the two preceeding releases. Is that accurate?

Yopu are blessed my child DAL was my first Saxon album! (actually not the first I heard tha is "Crusader"), but the first I bought as a vinyl (used), and I do remember that I didn't like the album at first hearing except for 'And The Bands Played On' (1st track side B on the vinyl). Also is track 6 in my CD version What version do you have?

I wouldn't call DAL more commercial than WOS or SAOTL, but those are indeed heavier. Nevertheless DAL has three of the most classic Saxon live songs: 'Never Surrender', 'Denim And Leather' and the uber-hellohyeah 'Princess Of The Night'

She used to be an ironhorse
Twenty years ago
Used to bring the mail to me
Through the ice and snow
I've sat alone and watched her
Steaming through the night
Ninety tons of thunder
Lighting up the sky

 

[Hawk]

She was a princes of night!!!

 

[Big D]

Denim and Leather was the first Saxon Lp I ever bought and it still holds a special place in my heartand I still think Princess Of The Night is one of their finest moments. Lots of people write about cars. Saxon go one better.
Incidentally, has anyone else seen Oliver/Dawson Saxon?

 

[Cenobite]

Nice Avatar - Wyvren !!!

 

[Wyvern]

Nice Avatar - Wyvren !!!

Ooops , I thought it was "original", didn't want to rip-you off

The box is a mean to summon us!